Neil Critchley sacked: Hearts part ways with head coach after six months as Dundee defeat drags club into relegation battle
Hearts lost 1-0 at home to Dundee, leaving the club just five points clear of Ross County - who are in the relegation play-off spot; Neil Critchley was appointed head coach in October last year but failed to secure a top-six spot; Jambos also lost to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final
Monday 28 April 2025 17:51, UK
Hearts have sacked head coach Neil Critchley following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.
The former Blackpool and QPR boss replaced Steven Naismith at Tynecastle Park last October, with the club bottom of the table.
Critchley - who had signed a deal until the end of the 2026/27 season - had lifted the Jambos off the foot of the table but faced criticism from fans after failing to qualify for the top six.
- Report: Hearts lose to Dundee as Critchley is sacked
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His side then lost to Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup semi-final last weekend.
Defeat to Dundee in their first post-split fixture on Saturday was met with more fury from fans at half-time and full-time, and ultimately led to him and assistant Mike Garrity being relieved of their duties.
Only five points separate Hearts and Ross County - who are in the relegation play-off danger zone - with the sides meeting next weekend in Dingwall.
Critchley wanted to prove doubters wrong
Following that loss Critchley, who won 14 and lost 13 of his 35 matches in charge, did insist he could turn things around at Hearts.
"I totally understand frustration when you lose at home," he said. "There's an expectation at this football club which I've said I'm more than comfortable with - I believe in the next four games we can prove that and I'll prove that.
"I'm confident in my ability to move the team and group forward, which will hopefully take the club where we want it next season.
"We lacked quality, composure and a bit of belief in the second half. We've got four games to go and we're in a fight. We need to show the right level of application and fight to get ourselves out of the situation we're in."
Fox to take interim charge
Liam Fox, who had stepped up from the B-team to take temporary charge following Naismith's sacking, has again been handed the job on an interim basis.
The former Dundee United boss joined Critchley's backroom team last October and now must guide the club away from a relegation battle.
In a statement, the club said: "Heart of Midlothian can confirm that it has today parted company with Head Coach Neil Critchley and his assistant Mike Garrity.
"The club would like to thank Neil and Mike for their efforts during their time in Gorgie and we wish them well for the future.
"Liam Fox will take control of first-team affairs on an interim basis. No further comment will be made at this time."
Hearts' remaining Premiership fixtures:
- May 3 - Ross County (A)
- May 10 - Motherwell (H)
- May 14 - St Johnstone (H)
- May 18 - Kilmarnock (A)
